Yoyo Loach
Yoyo Loach
Background Information
The Yoyo Loach is a long-time aquarium favorite, named for the intricate patterns found on the sides of young fish, which appear as the word “yoyo.” Its scientific name is Botia almorhae.
They all have conical-shaped heads, long and slender bodies, and a bit of snout. Their body is flat on the bottom, making it easy for them to rest on the sand. Every fish has four barbell pairs that protrude from the mouth to feel for food. Most specimens have the base color silver; some show yellow or gold base colors, and others a slight blue tint.
This freshwater fish species, also known as the Almora, Lohachata Botia, or Pakistani Loach, originates from the Ganges basin in northern India. Although popularly known as Pakistani Loaches, they should not be confused with another similar-looking fish species found all over Pakistan.
Yoyo Loaches have an impressive life span of 5-8 years, but some seasoned aquarists have witnessed some living for up to 20 years.
These fish are highly social and do not do well alone. They are an attractive aquarium addition and are generally peaceful toward most tank mates their size. They view snails and other smaller invertebrates as food and make for excellent snail control in aquascaped aquariums.
Tankmates
Yoyo Loaches live best in groups and benefit from some stimulation from tankmates. They need other similar-sized and non-aggressive fish to interact with, which they won’t view as food or threats.
As they prefer the bottom and middle of the aquarium, pair them with species that occupy the upper parts of the tank. Excellent tankmates include Angelfish, Clown Loaches, Plecos, Molly Fish, Cory Catfish. Glass Catfish, and Congo Tetra.
Feeds
Yoyo Loaches are omnivores. They ideally feed on floating flake food with some sinking food pellets. However, limit the amount of sinking food pellets to avoid any uneaten pellets polluting the water.
These fish also benefit from the occasional live or frozen fish food, including brine shrimp, blood worms, and black worms, which they absolutely love.
FAQ
How big can Yoyo Loaches get?
The typical Yoyo Loach grows to an approximate 2.5 inches long. In captivity, their size depends on several factors, including genetics, diet, and tank size. In the wild, these fish can reach an impressive 6 inches in length.
Can you keep a lone Yoyo Loach?
You can keep one Yoyo Loach, but it is not advisable. It can lead to severe aggression problems as the fish matures. If you plan to keep Yoyo Loaches, experts recommend keeping them in groups of 3 to 5.
Stats
Scientific Name: Botia almorhae
Origin: Pakistan
Size: 2.5-3"
Breeding: egg layers (difficult)
Temperament: Docile
Diet: Omnivores
DOA Policy
While this is a rare occurrence, it can and will happen from time to time. Fish are live animals and we cannot ensure that every one will arrive alive or remain alive. We do ask that if your fish arrives dead (DOA), submit a picture of the deceased fish that is in the bag within 2 hours of the delivery time of your fish. We will work quickly with you to resolve the problem.
We will offer replacement fish for any losses, but do not offer refunds at this time. We can replace fish but shipping costs is the responsibilityof the buyer. If you put the fish in your tank and it dies or is not acting properly, please contact us, with pictures,within 24 hours. We will again, do everything in our power to resolve the issue and ensure that you have a great experience with these fish.
Shipping Policy
Most Shipments will be UPS Next Day Air unless otherwise noted. Processing fish for your order can take up to 2 business days. This is to ensure your fish and healthy, happy, and ready to be put in your tank when it arrives. We ship fish on Mondays- Wednesday (excluding holidays) to ensure fish arrive before weekends. This allows us to completely prepare the fish for shipping and ensure they are healthy prior to arrive at your door. All fish will be shipped with oxygenated water and specific additives in the water to ensure they maintain their health and stability during shipment. Depending on the species of fish and current weather conditions, the fish may arrive with a heat pack or ice pack to maintain the optimal temperature which further ensures the health and safety of your fish. All costs of shipping (postage, packaging,heat/ice packs, etc.) are included in the Shipping fee. We ship to only the continental United States.
FAQ
"The fish I received do not look like the fish in thepicture. Why is this?"
- We typically take photographs of one or two fish when we initially get them in. Since we have a large quantity of most of the various species of fish, it would be understandably impossible to provide a picture ofevery individual fish with a specific species. For some of our more rare orlarger fish, the picture listed may be the actual fish that you are receiving.If this is the case, it will be designated by ?WYSIWYG?, meaning ?what you see,is what you get?.
"What happens if my fish arrive dead?"
- While this is a rare occurrence, it can and willhappen from time to time. Fish are live animals and we cannot ensure that everyone will arrive alive or remain alive. We do ask that if your fisharrives dead (DOA), submit a picture of the deceased fish that is in the bag.We will work quickly with you to resolve the problem. We will offer replacement fish for any losses, but do not offer refunds at this time. We will reship any replacement fish at the buyer's expense. If you put the fish in your tank and it dies or is not acting properly, please contact us, with pictures, within 24 hours. We will again, do everything in our power to resolvethe issue and ensure that you have a great experience with these fish.
"What if I'm not home when the fish arrive?"
- We will always provide you with a tracking number. While the fish are packaged to survive about 72+ hours within the shipping containers, we do ask that you make arrangements to arrive home to inspect your fish as soon as possible after they are delivered to your home. Itis always suggested to provide an area for the delivery person to place the boxthat is out of direct sunlight or extreme temperatures.
"What do I do with my fish once I've unpacked them?"
- Like you would with any new fish, let the entire bag float in your tank for 15-30 minutes. This allows the temperature withinthe bag to adjust to the same as your tank and will reduce temperature shock onthe fish. After this time, you can add all of the fish and water that is in thebag into your tank. The products used within the water for shipping will notharm any existing fish within your tank and actually makes the transition foryour new fish a bit easier. After this, expect your new fish to take a few daysto become fully adjusted, this includes hiding, floating at the top, sinking tothe bottom, and not eating. After a few days, your new fish should be acting aswimming like they normally would. At this point, enjoy your aquarium!
"I want to return my new fish because x,y,z?"
- Unfortunately, we are unable to accept returns.We do recommend contacting us via email with yourorder number and as much information as possible. We will try to assist you inresolving whatever the issue may be.